All posts by h716a5.icu

According to a recent update by The Sun, West Ham are eyeing a cut-price move for Lyon star Moussa Dembele – with David Moyes and the club supposedly on red alert as the Ligue 1 giants prepare to sell their striker. 

Dembele, who has bagged 31 goals in two seasons for Lyon in the league alone, could now depart the Groupama Stadium with West Ham touted as one of the clubs interested in a move.

After Michail Antonio’s most recent injury blow, questions have been asked surrounding the Hammers’ strength in depth and whether signing another forward should be one of Moyes’ top priorities.

Reacting to this Sun report, plenty of West Ham fans have had their say over swooping for Dembele.

While some hint that a move is unlikely, others have swooned over the mere idea of the Hammers putting pen to paper on a deal for the Frenchman – tipping the ‘absolute monster’ to ‘displace Antonio’.

Find all of the best verdicts here.

Fans swoon over Dembele

In other news: ExWHUemployee has dropped a behind the scenes claim on this ‘fantastic’ Moyes signing, find out more here. 

West Ham United’s failure to sign Bologna centre-half Takehiro Tomiyasu this summer is set to cost David Moyes deeply, with the Serie A outfit confident their star defender will soon be worth in excess of £30million.

What’s the word?

According to Calciomercato, AC Milan strove to sign Tomiyasu in the recent transfer market but failed to convince Bologna to reduce their €25m (£22.6m) valuation closer to the Rossoneri’s offer of €15m (£13.5m) plus a small bonus clause.

Bologna refused to negotiate their asking price as they are convinced the 21-year-old will be worth more than €30m (£27.1m) to €35m (£31.6m) in only a matter of years, making conditions far from ideal for any side wishing to sign Tomiyasu in January.

The Japan international, for his part, is happy at the Renato Dall’Ara yet is aware that Milan continues to track his situation, though the San Siro giants are expected to adopt the same approach as the summer as Tomiyasu’s performances have not consistently been at the highest level.

Tomiyasu has started all five of Bologna’s Serie A fixtures this term, but Sinisa Mihajlovic’s side are yet to keep a clean sheet, have lost on four occasions and have conceded a total 10 goals to sit outside the relegation places only on goal difference.

His form is unlikely to see West Ham revive efforts to strike a deal, either, after the Irons took a keen interest in the 20-cap talent this summer, per the Evening Standard, amid Moyes’ search for a new right-back as Tomiyasu is also capable of playing in wide defence or holding midfield if needed.

A costly error?

While Tomiyasu has not hit the same heights this season as he achieved last term, the 21-year-old Japan international may yet prove to be a costly mistake for West Ham as he is a player well thought of in Italy.

Bologna describe their €7m (£6.3m) signing on their official website as: “Physically well structured, ambidextrous, he has the aptitudes of a true defensive playmaker.

“Takehiro strikes for reactivity, strength in anticipation – in particular, he dominates on high balls – and uncommon football intelligence.”

Tuttobologna reporter Manuel Minguzzi also lauded Tomiyasu while speaking with the Chronicle this summer, after Newcastle United scouted the defender in view of his impressive start to life in Italy once signed from Belgian side St Truiden.

“Tomiyasu is a very versatile defender: he can be both a full back and a central player, he is very applied and focused,” he said. “Fans can always expect maximum professionalism and commitment from Tomiyasu.

“As a central [defender] he made some mistakes, but in Serie A it is quite normal because adaptation is needed. Tomiyasu also possesses great qualities when building the game. I was very struck by the fact that in the first year of Serie A, he immediately became the protagonist.”

Tomiyasu currently averages 67 touches a game in the Italian top-flight, and has played Bologna’s highest number of passes (265), won the most aerial duels (11), recorded the most clearances (17) and made the second-most interceptions (14), per SofaScore.

Clearly, then, if the Japan international is able to shrug off his early struggles this season, his form will return and raise frustrations in east London that West Ham were not able to seal a deal this summer.

AND in other news, David Moyes needs a “terrific” West Ham man he expects “much more” from to step up now more than ever.

According to Le10Sport, Milan have made an offer for reported Aston Villa transfer target Mohamed Simakan.

What’s the story?

Reports over the summer suggested that Dean Smith’s side were very much interested in landing the Strasbourg centre-half, with his agent revealing last month that he expects the Premier League side, as well as other clubs, to make a move for him in January.

He said: “There were many teams on Simakan – Lyon, Aston Villa and Borussia Dortmund. I think these clubs, including AC Milan, will try to push again (in January). The boy has picked up where he left off, showing his qualities, and it is possible his admirers will also increase.”

Spot the fact from the fib: Are these Premier League records true or false?

World Class score: 95% | Expert score: 80% | Veteran score: 65% | Intermediate score: 45% | Amateur score: 30% | Try Again: 5%

And now, French publication Le10Sport have claimed that Serie A giants Milan have made the first post-transfer window move to sign the 6 foot 2 defender, and that whilst they’ve seen an initial bid rejected, are prepared to make a fresh approach.

Better than Konsa

At just 20, Simakan is a couple of years younger than Villa centre-back Ezri Konsa, who’s been Smith’s preferred partner alongside Tyrone Mings.

And when you look at both of their performances for their respective teams this season, Simakan looks like the kind of prospect who the Villa boss should play next to Mings.

As per Sofascore, Simakan has won an impressive 2.2 tackles and 1.9 interceptions per game in Ligue 1, whilst he wins 6.1 duels per match too, at an astounding success rate of 61%. Konsa, on the other hand, has averaged three times as less tackles, and less than half the amount of interceptions, whilst he only wins only marginally more duels at 6.7.

His agent added: “Mohamed is a class of 2000 who can play as a central defender or as a right-back. He has great strength, technically good, but his main gift is power and explosiveness.”

With Milan already making it clear that they mean business, it’s up to Johan Lange to make sure Villa aren’t left behind in the race to sign him.

West Brom may have finally broken their winless hoodoo, but Slaven Bilic and his men have a lot of work to do if they are to remain in the Premier League.

The Baggies still occupy a place in the drop zone, some seven points off Crystal Palace in 15th position, who they face this weekend. If they lose that game, then the relegation dogfight will quickly look less competitive.

And that’s something Albion cannot afford going into the festive period.

They’ll need a decent January transfer window to solve most of their issues, though the chances that the Croatian will be backed by penny-pinching chairman Guochuan Lai seem rather unlikely.

One way around this could be solved by offloading some deadwood amongst their Championship-winning squad, starting with the likes of Charlie Austin.

Once the striker is out the door, the next on the list has to be veteran left-back Kieran Gibbs, who is just not getting into the side at the minute, so it’s pretty pointless having someone on his wages around.

The 31-year-old has not been seen since his red card against Everton in the second game of the season, when the Baggies leaked five goals. Bilic blasted his left-back for being “stupid” after the match.

In his absence, Bilic’s backline has leaked more than one goal just twice, excluding the thrilling end-to-end encounter with Chelsea.

Gibbs has only made the bench in three of their last seven Premier League outings too, which is hardly inspiring considering he’s earning around £55k-per-week at the Hawthorns as their second-highest earner.

Even last season, we barely saw the former Arsenal star on the pitch, starting just 14 matches in the Championship, where he averaged 1.2 clearances, 1.1 tackles and 0.7 key passes per game, via WhoScored.

Given the calls for Conor Townsend to earn a contract extension, it doesn’t seem like Gibbs will be able to force his way into the side anytime soon. Therefore, it is only wise for Luke Dowling to look to offload him, he’s merely bleeding the club dry by not featuring.

AND in other news, Bilic must AXE “ruthless” Baggies star in SHOCK move vs Palace…

Joel Matip was once again absent for Liverpool on Wednesday night, as he was unable to recover from the injury problem that forced him off in the Reds’ 1-1 draw with Fulham last weekend.

Fortunately for Jurgen Klopp’s side, Roberto Firmino’s late header meant that they would return to the top of the table after beating Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 at Anfield, but the German manager will be concerned that the Cameroonian is struggling with injury problems at a time where they are desperately short of defensive options.

Rhys Williams filled in superbly for the Reds on what was his Premier League debut, helping keep Harry Kane quiet throughout the 90 minutes, whilst Fabinho was once again excellent in his new-found role as a centre-back.

Therefore, when you also consider the solid performances of Nathaniel Phillips when he has been called upon at times this season, you wonder whether Matip, who earns £100k per week with the Reds, may have now run out of chances with Liverpool.

The former Schalke man has been excellent in spells for Liverpool, and of course played his part in the Reds winning the Champions League in 2019, as well as the Premier League in 2020.

However, the 29-year-old has regularly been sidelined with injury during his time with the Merseyside club and this latest setback will be a huge cause of frustration for Klopp in a time when he was relying on the centre-back to stay fit, due to the long-term injuries suffered by Joe Gomez and Virgil van Dijk.

Therefore, once those two return to fitness, it may well be time for Klopp to axe Matip, as unfortunately, he has shown himself to be unreliable throughout his time at the club, and the talents coming through the Liverpool academy look ready to step up in his absence.

Hopefully, for the Reds, his current injury won’t rule him out for too much longer, as he will surely be an important player for the rest of this season, but beyond that, you worry for his future with the club.

And, in other news… Forget Minamino: Klopp can replace Jota with teenage LFC “sensation”

When Leeds United signed Adam Forshaw for around £4.5m from Middlesbrough back in January 2018, they thought they were getting an experienced campaigner with plenty of Championship experience.

Speaking to BBC Radio Leeds, Forshaw himself made it clear just how much of an attractive proposition the Whites were, saying: “I wasn’t playing enough and as soon as I knew Leeds were interested I knew this was the club for me.

“I was attracted by the history and the size of the club but I can see the project and what the club is trying to do now. There’s a lot of excitement around the place and the crowds are phenomenal. I can feel the vibe about the place and I can’t wait to get going.”

Fast forward almost three years later, and things haven’t quite gone to plan for the midfielder. He’s made just 52 appearances in total for the club, with a hip injury picked up in late 2019 ruling him out of action ever since.

Now, reports claim that the club may be looking to shift him out the door in the January transfer window when it opens next week, but that whilst Marcelo Bielsa has given the green light for his exit, it is only expected to be a loan move.

Whilst it may be very ruthless to simply wield the axe on a player who’s been on the shelf with injury for more than a year, Leeds just have to look at protecting their own interests.

The Whites are playing at Premier League level now, and it’s a massive if of whether Forshaw could be a force in Bielsa’s line-up were he to make his return to full fitness.

Couple that with his £20k-a-week wages, and he’s cost Leeds £7.5m in total fees since joining, and Andrea Radrizzani must be wondering where on earth his money has gone.

It’s been an absolute nightmare for both player and club, but it just makes sense that Leeds cut their ties with Forshaw permanently rather than on loan.

Meanwhile, Leeds could Bielsa’s dream signing in this “unplayable” £40m star.

With Christmas on the horizon, Celtic got themselves a bit of early festive cheer as they eased past Ross County in the Scottish Premiership on Wednesday night.

Neil Lennon’s side ran out comfortable 2-0 winners at home, and could have, and probably should have, won by a bigger margin had it not been for some wasteful finishing.

But whilst Leigh Griffiths may take plenty of the plaudits after scoring his 20th headed goal for the club – only Henrik Larsson has scored more – it was David Turnbull who no doubt stole the show.

The man who signed from Motherwell back in the summer transfer window was the heartbeat of everything good about Celtic on the night, buzzing about and looking to make things happen at every opportunity.

As per Sofascore, he lost possession 20 times over the course of the game – the most of any player on the pitch. But that number was only down to the fact Turnbull didn’t shy away from taking the riskier choice and trying to feed the likes of Odsonne Edouard and Griffiths up front.

Stuck in lockdown? Our mega footy quiz will cure any boredom…

World Class score: 95% | Expert score: 80% | Veteran score: 65% | Intermediate score: 45% | Amateur score: 30% | Try Again: 5%

He provided a total of three key passes, sent in a whopping eight crosses, and boasted an impressive 84% pass accuracy. If Lennon wanted his summer signing to take the game by the scruff of the neck, then that’s exactly what he did.

His performance led to Scottish journalist and presenter Dominik Diamond to rave about him on Twitter, even tipping him to become a “future Celtic great”.

Trying not to get ahead of myself but I think we could be seeing the rise of a future Celtic great in David Turnbull. He just seems to have as good a game with his brain as he does his feet. Attitude seems good as well.

It may be early days in his Hoops career, but if Turnbull can get a consistent run of games under his belt, then he might prove to be one of the most inspired domestic signings in recent history.

Both Celtic and their Old Firm rivals have been linked with a move for Airdrieonians forward Thomas Robert in recent weeks but the Bhoys will have to act fast if they want to sign him, with Dundee United reportedly having already made a bid for him.

What’s the word?

According to Football Insider, the Tangerines have submitted a bid for the 20-year-old as they attempt to steal the march on Celtic, following the opening of the winter transfer window earlier this week.

It is suggested that Robert’s performances are attracting the interest of sides across Scotland and England, after a superb start to the campaign with the Scottish League One side.

Would he be a good signing for Celtic?

The young right-winger has had no problem adapting to life in Scotland since he joined Airdrieonians from French side Montpellier during the summer, having contributed four goals and two assists in 13 appearances for his new side.

The Hoops are arguably lacking in terms of quality wingers at the club, with just James Forrest available as a natural right-winger, whilst Mohamed Elyounoussi could depart at the end of the season when his loan from Southampton expires.

Therefore, whilst Robert may well prove to be a signing for the future, it would be a mistake by Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell to miss out on him.

Back in December, Airdrie boss Ian Murray admitted that he was anticipating a bid from Celtic for Robert and was full of praise for the Frenchman, saying:

“It wouldn’t surprise me if we have a fight to keep him. Thomas has done really, really well.

“He showed his class again against Clyde with the corner kick, but it wasn’t just that, in the first half he was excellent, his touches on the ball, his movement, his timing in the releasing of the ball, the way he picked up space, was excellent.

“We’ve had loads of clubs looking at him, a few of them were pretty impressed.”

Therefore, it seems clear that Robert won’t be with the League One side for much longer based on his performances this season and the interest being shown in him, so Celtic should flex their financial muscles and ensure that they are the ones to sign the winger this month, as it looks as if he could be a great player in the future for the Bhoys.

And, in other news… Lawwell disaster: Celtic will surely rue not signing gem with 43 goal contributions in 2020

According to The Express, Arsenal are monitoring Brentford striker Ivan Toney.

What’s the story?

Mikel Arteta’s side currently have a number of strikers on their books, but with Alexandre Lacazette’s contract coming to an end in the summer of 2022, the Gunners may be on the look-out for a new centre-forward.

And, according to The Express, one man who is attracting interest from the Premier League side’s recruitment team is Toney.

The report claims that Arsenal are set to “keep a watchful eye” over the Brentford star, and that while there is nothing imminent in their interest, their scouts are going to continue monitoring his development with the Championship outfit.

Edu can get Lacazette’s successor

Despite Lacazette’s great form over these past few weeks – he’s managed four goals in his past four Premier League games – the fact he will turn 30 in May puts the Gunners in a difficult position.

The Mesut Ozil situation has no doubt left some major scars about handing an ageing player a big-money contract, and it remains to be seen whether his recent good form is worthy of shelling out a lot of money for someone like Lacazette.

Instead, if Arsenal make the tough but arguably logical call in selling the Frenchman to try and receive at least some sort of fee for him, then it could allow them to pursue a move for Toney, who has been a revelation over the past couple of seasons.

His 26 goals for League One side Peterborough last season earned him a high-profile move to Brentford, where he’s just hit the ground running, bagging 16 times in just 22 Championship games.

He’s already proven he can take one step up and handle the pressure well, whilst at just 24, has got plenty of time to develop into a fine Premier League striker too.

Speaking earlier last year, Peterborough’s director of football, Barry Fry, said: “He’s turned into a tremendous all-round footballer. It’s important to remember Ivan is not just an exceptional goal-scoring forward, he’s also an outstanding defender.”

Toney himself has the confidence that he could be a top-flight striker, saying back in November: “I’ve always liked Zlatan. I just love his confidence. Some people see it as arrogance but you must be like that to succeed. I’m similar to Zlatan in both my confidence and the way I play. When he wants to do something, he just does it. I have some of that in my game and personality. And I believe I’ll be a Premier League striker.”

Given Toney is backing up his words on the pitch, then there’s no doubting that he has got that element of Ibrahimovic in him. Someone who might talk the talk, but can walk the walk too. If Arsenal are looking for a striker to come in if Lacazette leaves, then the Brentford ace could be the player to turn to.

Meanwhile, Arsenal must sell this young English talent…

West Brom have a medical scheduled for Wednesday over a potential new addition, according to reports…

What’s the word?

The Daily Mail claim the Baggies are interested in bringing in former Leicester City forward Ahmed Musa with a view to signing him on a short-term contract this week.

Musa has been a free agent since leaving Saudi side Al-Nassr in October, and it is also thought that arch-rivals Wolves and fellow Premier League strugglers Fulham are also keen.

Albion are set to bring him in after requesting a UK visa and should all go well, he will sign on for the remainder of the season.

Big Sam’s next Okocha?

It wouldn’t be the first time that Big Sam has had an enigmatic Nigerian in his attack, so this move would certainly be shades of Jay-Jay Okocha, who was a sensation under the 66-year-old at Bolton Wanderers.

Similarly, the attacking maestro left PSG on a free transfer in 2002 following the World Cup and ended up at the Reebok Stadium. While Musa isn’t fresh off a major competition, it was only in 2019 that Nigeria won bronze at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Throughout Okocha’s time at the Trotters, he was regarded as a ‘flair’ player capable of trickery with the ball and creativity, but he was also known as being vastly inconsistent – only 18 goals and three assists in 143 appearances would reinforce that view, though he still had many fans on the edge of their seats every time he played.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-west-brom-news-and-rumours-copy” title=”Read the latest West Brom news, transfer rumours and more!”]

Once again, Musa isn’t too different.

The 28-year-old has already flopped in the Premier League before – following a then club-record £16m move to Leicester City in 2016, but he could only deliver five goals in 33 appearances.

But elsewhere, he has proven to be a prolific option, only adding to him perhaps being a bit of an enigma. At CSKA Moscow, the versatile wide man contributed towards 99 goals in 184 matches, whilst at Al-Nasser most recently, he delivered 11 goals and 14 assists, via Transfermarkt.

The Baggies desperately need firepower in attack as following Charlie Austin’s departure to QPR on loan, it leaves Allardyce with only one senior striker and right now in Karlan Grant, and he’s currently on the treatment table.

Valued at £5.4m by Transfermarkt, Musa would be a decent addition considering Luke Dowling and co won’t have to pay a penny in transfer fees. However, he cannot be the only attacking signing before the February 1st deadline.

AND in other news, Why West Brom need to take a punt on Christian Benteke